Note 16: Readings in Nov


Note 16.
Starting from 1st November, I will pick out some interesting articles to share about my readers (if there’s any, haha). The purpose is to share some of the readings and also for discussion.
What I have been reading :
Article 1
https://www.ft.com/content/442fb59c-d138-11e8-a9f2-7574db66bcd5
A look at how Germany has tackled the issue of productivity. I always believe that for a nation to grow economically, both hardware and software are important. While it’s impossible to grow them together at the same speed, there’s always a need to make sure that they are growing.
The article spoke about the challenges of competition for the home-grown companies in Germany and what has differentiated them. The strength of Germany actually lies in their organisation capability. This is something you can’t build or buy. It’s in the DNA of a culture.
I have attended several courses in my corporate life before, and I have witnessed that among the German participants, they tend to be more organise and discipline. In one course, the participants comprise mainly of a group of German and another from X country. One day,  we ended early and I overheard the Germans speaking to each other about going to this place recommended by the trainer. The same for those from country X. The Germans spoke amongst themselves in English, as a sign of respect for those from other country. They had already decided on the time, place to meet (the bar obviously), who to contact, and where to go. The guys from X, they have only decided on the time to meet at the bar. I was at the bar for an hour for drinks, and when the Germans arrived, they had already organised themselves, brought a map, arranged for a cab, and have also ordered a couple of drinks before they set out. The guys from X, just arrived at the bar and have yet to decide on the number of people joining, and of course the other simple organisational stuff. That, to me is the difference. Both groups have a self-appointed leader, but the Germans can organise among themselves. That to me, is the differentiating point, and that’s what lacking in my developing country.
The next question is, what can we learn from this article? Singapore is trying to transit ourselves economically. However, I feel that there’s a lot of things missing in terms of our capability. Singaporeans in general, do not have the ability to organise amongst our self, we are always dependant on a leader stepping up. At the same time, those who have stepped up, do not have the ability to accept the role of other 2nd in charge and listen. I think that our army instincts (for guys) kick in whenever there is a task, we wait for a leader to be self-appointed or appointed. We will then follow the instructions till shit hits the fan, and we start to search for a new leader. In my course of work, I notice that Singapore managers seems to define leadership as someone who gives instructions and direction. This has its shortfall, as work get more complex, it’s always more and more of a team effort, and the ability to absorb everyone’s feedback and plan out the best way moving forward.
Another challenge is those being lead, in the case of the Germans organising the trip, the most junior guy even plays a part in the excursion. In Singapore, the workers usually wait for instructions. This resulted in the leader blaming the lack of initiative and the workers blaming the managers for being too authoritative.
Article 2
http://businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sakae-pursues-advisory-business-with-sushi-growth-in-mind
Another article that I have read spoke about the issues surrounding the diversification strategy of Sakae, I shall not say much, but I find it extremely disappointing in the way Sakae Sushi treated the questions surrounding the loss of money due to some sugar venture.
I always believe if a company is diversifying too much, it means they are running out of ideas on how to run their main business or the owner himself is suffering from hubris. We shall know
Article 3

https://www.ft.com/content/4f180ee8-de97-11e8-9f04-38d397e6661c
American’s growth seems to be on a rampage and it makes the prospect of a rate hike higher.

Article 4
https://webb-site.com/articles/chisun.asp
A very interesting note from David Webb on HK’s future. Being a cynical person myself, I find that it’s too optimistic.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Note 17: Oct Update

Note 17 – Oct Update Oct 2018 hasn’t been the best of month for my investment. In fact, it was stomach churning to a certain extent. The total portfolio further declined by -3.6% MOM, and a -6.4% YTD. The main reason was the further escalation of the trade war, decline in the tech stocks, coupled with decline in the China market. As I am writing, it is already in the mid of Nov and the market has already recovered per se. These are the ups and downs of an investor, and as they say, live by the sword, die by the sword. The portfolio declined was mainly exacerbated by the huge decline in my Singapore portfolio (which consist of my cash investment and my SRS). I shall not go into individual stocks, but the STI “blue chips” don’t seem so royal at this stage. Current cash at the moment stands at 15%. Singapore portfolio The Singapore fund is still on the negative, but this time is the rare time, it actually did better than the benchmark (not really that of a consolation as well)...
Read more

Note 14: August Update

In the month of August, the portfolio suffers a slight decline, but with all the expected issues around trade taking place. I believe that this is to be expected. There seems to be more buying opportunities but I won’t be dipping my toes unless there’s a really compelling reasons and an overly negative sentiments. I believe most investors are also unsure of what’s going to happen as well. My biggest concern is the fear that US market will hit the bear market before we hit our bulls. That will also means we might be facing lacklustre performance for more than 10 years. Singapore market Singapore market has suffered a slight decline, mainly with some of the declines coming from Singtel and properties related shars. My Singapore portfolio is not a 100% value focus fund and it has unfortunately decline more than the index. As a result, I am of the idea that I will need to sell heavily before I embark on a value approach. It’s in a 15% cash situation as well, I think that is a comfortable ...
Read more

Note 1: Start of my journey towards financial independence

Image
Dear internet Today, I am officially recording my journey towards financial independence. I am 38 years old this year and I plan to achieve financial independence by the age of 55 years old. During my youth and young working life, I was heavily influenced by several of my seniors who had achieved some form of financial freedom at an age much earlier than their peer. As such, I wish to chart my own path, just like them. I currently live in a public housing, and work as a minion in a MNC. I believe that the route to financial independence or financial freedom revolves around a few key behaviour Spending less than you earn A disciplined process in investing   Being open minded   This blog will record my various trades, milestones of my networth, opinion on equities and politics and other matters regarding financial independence. This blog IS NOT , A showcase of my net worth,  A forum to share my thoughts on religion or politics  A blog for a...
Read more